Renault’s Electric Renault 5 Set to Shake Up the EV Market
Renault is gearing up to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with the upcoming release of the Renault 5, a supermini that promises to be a game-changer in terms of technology, affordability, and performance. The new Renault 5 will be based on a new platform, separate from the 5’s CMF-BEV structure, allowing it to take advantage of cutting-edge technological developments.
One of the key advancements in the Renault 5 is a new battery chemistry that is said to reduce costs by up to 50% and support sub-15min charge times in its most advanced form. In 2026, Renault plans to switch its mainstream EV batteries to LFP, which will further reduce costs by 20% without affecting range. This cost reduction could potentially bring the price of the Renault 5 below £20,000 in the UK, making it a highly competitive option in the market.
The Renault 5 has already seen success in Renault’s home market of France, where it has become the best-selling electric car since its launch in October last year. With a nod to the original Renault 5, which was France’s best-selling car for over a decade, the new Renault 5 is poised to make a significant impact in the European EV market.
While Renault’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Operations, Olivier Cambolive, acknowledges that the Renault 5 may not immediately outsell its petrol-powered counterparts like the Clio and Dacia Sandero, he sees the Renault 5 as a key player in expanding Renault’s EV offerings in the market. The goal is for customers to choose the Renault 5 not just for its electric powertrain, but for its overall appeal and performance.
Looking ahead, Renault is planning to introduce more affordable EV options, including the Renault 4 crossover and Twingo supermini, to cater to different price brackets up to €25,000. While outright sales dominance may not be the immediate target for the Renault 5, Cambolive is confident that the Renault 5 will be among the leaders in the EV market in the near future.
With its cutting-edge technology, competitive pricing, and iconic design, the Renault 5 is set to shake up the EV market and pave the way for more affordable and accessible electric vehicles in the coming years.
